Our findings imply a central role for ERK-mediated (Figures 5A-D, 6A-D) pathways in the connection betweenthyroid disease and systemic sclerosis, further supported by the demonstration thatthe inhibition of Rho and Ras can be associated with amelioration of the fibroticcomponent present in the disease model based on reactive oxygen species injury. The gene discussed is RHO; the disease is systemic sclerosis.